My name is Alexander Čajčyc, I am an ethnic Belarusian living in Moscow, Russia.

I have been disappointed by the media reports about an incident during the currently running IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Sweden, where a group of Belarusian fans has been violently banned from using the Belarusian national white-red-white banner while supporting the Belarus national team during matches. I understand that you must have already received several letters concerning this issue.

The white-red-white flag was the official flag of the Republic of Belarus in 1991-1995. As far as I know, its official status has been cancelled following a referendum which has been declared unfair and undemocratic by the international community - just like all other elections and referendums held in Belarus under the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenka.

Before that, the white-red-white flag was an official symbol of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1918 and was generally used a symbol of the Belarusian independence movement throughout the 20th century. The colours white and red have been official symbols of several Belarusian states since the Middle Ages.

Frankly speaking, any current or former state flag could be considered by some political groups to be a political symbol, be it the current flag of Belarus (which was specifically created as a symbol of the neo-Soviet Lukashenka regime), the white-red-white former flag of Belarus, the flag of Sweden or, say, the current flag of Russia.

It is, however, much more discouraging that by applying violence to Belarusian fans the organisers of the Ice Hockey Championship unwillingly demonstrate what can be perceived as solidarity with Europe's most oppressive authoritarian regime infamous for rigged elections, mass human rights violations, dozens of political prisoners and even, presumably, killings of political opponents.

I assume that the actions of the security forces came as a result of complaints from Belarusian officials. It is not worthwhile to follow the politically motivated and apparently deceitful demands given by representatives of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation, the Embassy of Belarus or any other official representatives of this violent undemocratic regime.

The Belarusian fans should strictly obey the safety rules while on the stadium, should not demonstrate any political posters or symbols - but should have the right to support the Belarusian team with the historical national white red and white flag, which is by no means a symbol of any sort of political radicalism or extremism.

I kindly ask you to ensure that the Belarusian fans receive the necessary apologies and are allowed to demonstrate the unofficial Belarusian national white-red-white flag along with the official flag of their country.

kind regards,
Alexander

P.S.
Russian football and ice hockey fans often use flags of the USSR and the black-yellow-white flag of the Russian empire from the years of 1858–1883. Obviously, the flag of the USSR enjoys popularity among neo-Soviet revanchists and communists. Meanwhile, the 1858–1883 banner has become especially popular among Russian neo-Nazis.

I would appreciate if you could clarify whether these two flags are considered political symbols by the championship organisers as well and whether their usage is forbidden in the stadiums..